Nuclear facts

Nuclear facts

Interested in nuclear science? ANSTO is home to Australia's only nuclear reactor OPAL in Lucas Heights, Sydney. OPAL stands for "Open Pool Australian Lightwater (OPAL)" - OPAL is a state-of-the-art 20 megawatt multi-purpose reactor that uses low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel to achieve a range of nuclear medicine, research, scientific, industrial and production goals.

ANSTO has over 60 years of experience in nuclear science and technology, check out some of the below resources to discover more about the world of nuclear science.

Discover the world of nuclear science

Nuclear facts

OPAL-education-hero-image

What is nuclear science?

Nuclear science is crucial to understanding our universe, our world and ourselves at the atomic level. If we can understand how atoms get together, interact, or can be best combined with other atoms, new, more efficient materials and drugs can be developed.

OPAL Reactor Core

What is radiation?

Radiation can be described as energy or particles from a source that travel through space or other mediums. Light, heat, and wireless communications are all forms of radiation.

OPAL Reactor Core

What are radioisotopes?

Radioisotopes are widely used in medicine, industry, and scientific research. New applications for radioisotopes are constantly being developed.

More nuclear facts

Benefits of nuclear science

Benefits of nuclear science

ANSTO uses nuclear research techniques to address many of the important issues of our time relating to the environment, human health and industry.

Low Level Waste

Managing waste

ANSTO has safely managed its radioactive waste for over 60 years. Waste is managed in accordance with national and international standards.

Australian Synchrotron

What is synchrotron light?

Synchrotron light is the electromagnetic radiation emitted when electrons, moving at velocities close to the speed of light, are forced to change direction under the action of a magnetic field.

Landmark Infrastructure

Facilities

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OPAL multipurpose reactor

OPAL multi-purpose reactor

Australia’s Open Pool Australian Lightwater (OPAL) reactor is a state-of-the-art 20 megawatt multi-purpose reactor that uses low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel to achieve a range of  activities to benefit human health, enable research to support a more sustainable environment and provide innovative solutions for industry.

Australian Synchrotron

The Australian Synchrotron

A world-class national research facility that uses accelerator technology to produce a powerful source of light-X rays and infrared radiation a million times brighter than the sun.

Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering

Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering

The Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering (ACNS) is a major research facility for neutron science that comprises a suite of neutron instruments with a range of techniques for scientific investigations in physics, chemistry, materials science, medicine and environmental science among other fields.

Ask us a question

Contact the Education team at ANSTO's discovery centre for any questions relating to tours, learning resources or nuclear science.

ANSTO Education team